A "lifetime" driving record contains all the license information DMV currently has available about a driver. The “lifetime” driving record will display all information still in DMV’s possession regardless of the data retention requirements found in Vehicle and Traffic Law. The record may not include information that dates back to when a driver was initially granted driving privileges.
A “standard” driver license abstract only contains information that DMV is still required to keep. For example, most suspensions and revocations are only shown on the standard driving record abstract for 4 years from the date the suspension or revocation ended. A “lifetime” driving record will show suspensions and revocations that are older than 4 years.
Each driving record abstract contains information grouped within several sections. See Description of Abstract of Lifetime Driving Record [1] (DS-242.3) for more information on how to read and understand a lifetime driving record abstract.
The "Header" section includes the individual's information as applicable
See the form Driver License Class Descriptions [2] (MV-500C) for a list and explanation of driver license restrictions.
The header is followed by a "Summary" section that includes
The "Current License" section includes
The "Non-Driver ID" section includes
The "Permit History" section includes
The "Activity" section may include
The "Class / Privilege" section includes
The "Document" section includes
The "Merges" section only appears on the abstract if the driver has ever had license under a different Customer Identification Number (CID) than the one shown in the "Header" section.
The "Merges" section if present will show
On the "Lifetime" driving record, the "Suspensions and Revocations" section is divided into two sub-sections, "Non-Scofflaws" and "Scofflaws". Non-scofflaws and Scofflaws will be listed separately, in order by effective date, from newest to oldest. For out of state courts, the court’s address and phone number are recorded as provided by the issuing jurisdiction.
Non-scofflaws: The type of sanction imposed (suspension or revocation) which results from reasons other than failure to answer a summons or pay a fine/surcharge/assessment. The following fields may appear.
Scofflaws: The suspension imposed as a result of failure to answer a summons or pay a fine/surcharge/assessment. The following fields may appear.
The CONVICTIONS/BAIL FORFEITURES section lists conviction and bail forfeitures in order of violation date. The following fields may appear.
The VESSEL/SNOWMOBILE lists suspensions and convictions for boats and snowmobiles.
Vessel/Snowmobile Privilege Suspensions: section lists boat and snowmobile suspensions in order of effective date. The following fields may appear.
Vessel/Snowmobile Convictions: section lists boat and snowmobile convictions in order of violation date. The following fields may appear.
Non-Vehicular Convictions: The following fields may appear.
The ACCIDENTS section lists accidents in order of accident date. 3 The following fields will appear
The ADDRESS HISTORY section lists addresses on file in order of effective date. The following fields will appear.
If you suspect that your DMV abstract contains incorrect information, contact the DMV Call Center [3].
This information is found at the top of driving record, but the word “Header” is not part of the abstract.
This information is found at the top of a driving record, but the word “Summary” is not part of the abstract.